No to hunger in Bedford Borough

Bedford Borough Council, working alongside local voluntary sector partners, are launching a package of support for families and households in the run up to Christmas as part of a campaign to say 'No To Hunger in Bedford Borough'. The campaign and support will help those in need get access to food so that every child in the borough will be warm and well fed this winter.

The campaign includes a new partnership website www.oneymca.org/notohungerinbedfordborough offering advice for vulnerable families and individuals about how to access support and opportunities for others to donate, including:

• Food Vouchers
• Donate a Slow Cooker campaign
• How to donate needed food items
• How you, your business or your club can get involved

The Council is working with food voucher company, Black Hawk, to provide support for all those eligible for income-related free school meals, children in the early years who receive pupil premium and two year old funding and all of the council's care leavers during the Christmas holidays.

As part of the wider package of support for families and vulnerable people this winter, the Council will be working with voluntary sector partners to ensure any borough residents experiencing hardship can get the support they need, so that no vulnerable person goes hungry this Christmas.

The easiest way to get in touch is to visit www.oneymca.org/notohungerinbedfordborough or call the Bedford Borough Family Information Service on 0800 023 2057

Councillor Michael Headley Portfolio Holder for Finance at Bedford Borough Council, said, "I am delighted that working alongside crucial partner organisations we are able to support vulnerable families and households this winter. We know this is going to be a particularly tough time for many people in Bedford Borough. We know that there are people who have never needed help before but the impact of COVID has hit them hard. Please do get in touch if you think you need support as soon as possible. The newly created website will not only offer advice to residents who are looking for support but will enable local businesses and networks to find out how they can get involved and help support those in need."

The Council and Bedford Borough schools are encouraging more families to register and apply for free school meals, so that they begin to receive the support in time for the school holidays.

To find out if you are eligible and to register for free school meals visit www.bedford.gov.uk/schools-education-and-childcare/education-welfare-service/free-school-meals/